Sound the alarm, Elemis just upgraded its already-iconic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm by infusing it with a black cherry aroma that smells so good you’ll want to eat it. But don’t, obviously.
A two-in one cleanser and soothing face mask, the original Pro-Collagen balm is loved by celebs including Victoria Beckham and backwards-ageing Catherine Zeta-Jones, and has millions of beauty fans around the world, so I couldn’t wait to try the new, fruitier version.
Though we may be on the cusp of spring (it’s a cosy 14 degrees at the time of writing, which could be summer in the UK to be fair), I’m suffering a case of dreaded winter skin: dry and crusty, yet also blemished and dull.
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That’s why now, more than ever, I need a powerhouse cleanser. That’s where the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm comes in. Named ‘best for hydration’ in our best cleansing balm roundup, it’s really the only thing that will revive my parched skin. So, I was thrilled to hear the iconic balm has had a new season glow-up. Here’s what I thought when I gave the new Black Cherry version a whirl.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm at a glance
- Gently removes makeup and daily impurities without stripping skin of natural moisture.
- 3-in-1 cleanser. Transforms from balm, to oil, to a hydrating cleansing milk.
- Replenishes skin with a trio of oils.
- The new cherry scent adds an essence of aromatherapy.
How it works
Using the warmth of your skin, this balm transforms into a cleansing oil on application and melts away stubborn makeup without any harsh pulling of the skin or lashes, so you can put down those makeup wipes immediately.
GH tip: After working the balm into your skin, give your face a couple of splashes with warm water and watch how it transforms into a hydrating cleansing milk for that extra dose of moisture. It’s a good idea to have a warm face towel on hand to wipe off the excess and let the steam open pores for an extra deep cleanse.
The power is in the Padina Pavonica, a skin-quenching, moisture-boosting algae that’s present in the entire Pro-Collagen range for good reason. It’s packed with antioxidants to help protect skin from skin-damaging free radicals, aka unstable atoms triggered by external sources such as pollution, sunlight and toxins that impacts our collagen stores. The hardworking algae rapidly works to rehydrate and leave your skin feeling soft.
Completing the trifecta of healthy skin ingredients are elderberry and starflower oil, which keep skin looking plump and contributes to the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier. It’s the hydrating antidote to the harsh, drying effects of cold winds and ramped-up office heating (a notorious S.O.S situation for skin).
Our honest verdict on the new Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm
The original balm scored a strong 91/100 in our Good Housekeeping Institute tests, coming out top with our panel for hydration. “It gently removes makeup without stripping or drying the skin,” was the feedback given by one tester, and I couldn't have said it better myself. The silky, smooth texture will leave your skin feeling extra soft. You can indulge yourself even further by layering on the balm as a mask and leaving it on for 10-15 minutes for that extra bit of TLC for your complexion.
Though its main purpose is to take makeup off, I like to give my face a mini-massage on makeup-free days, too. I knead my neck, jaw and cheekbones in an upward motion, to help aid lymphatic drainage and leave my face feeling firmer and more lifted. And the added black cherry scent is a micro-dose of aromatherapy, making it the perfect spa-at-home treatment – something I’m sure you’d agree we could all benefit from a dose of to carry us through to brighter, warmer days.
Shop the new Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm at Boots, LookFantastic and Cult Beauty.
Madeleine Evans
Lifestyle Writer
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
